Under an azure outback sky, the parched land envelops a small, shallow, lively lagoon. On the water, several pairs of small ducks catch the eye; they are incessantly spinning. Each pair is evenly separated from its neighbours and whirls around in a tight circle, with one duck following the other’s tail feathers. When one momentarily lifts its head, their identity is confirmed: they are pink-eared ducks.
It’s a funny name for a funny duck. The least apparent thing about it is its ‘pink ears’. These are the small patches of coloured feathers on the side of the bird’s head, which are only visible at certain times of the year, and even then only under close scrutiny. Much more noticeable are the bold black and white stripes on its belly and flanks that give it the alternative name of zebra duck or zebra teal.
Esta historia es de la edición June 2024 de BBC Wildlife.
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Esta historia es de la edición June 2024 de BBC Wildlife.
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Jump Around - Bagheera Kiplingi - The acrobatic spider with a predilection for veggie food
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Imagine (or maybe you don't need to) that you hanker after the safari trip of a lifetime in sub-Saharan Africa. A 17-day tour beginning at the iconic Victoria Falls, passing through Zimbabwe, Zambia, Malawi and Tanzania, taking in some of the continent’s most wildlife-rich national parks, and ending on the lush island of Zanzibar.
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Loss of Antarctic sea ice could impact seabird food supply
Albatrosses and petrels may be forced to fly further to feed
Tarsiers in trouble
Urgent action is needed to ensure survival of the Yoda-like primate
SNAP-CHAT
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VISIONS OF NATURE
The winners of the Wildlife Artist of the Year competition 2024, from David Shepherd Wildlife Foundation
